India

NSO Survey: Childcare and Housework Keep 69% of Urban Women Out of Workforce

A National Statistics Office survey has found that nearly 69% of women in India's major cities are kept out of the workforce due to childcare and household responsibilities. The findings highlight a deep-rooted gender disparity in caregiving roles within urban areas. Women in these cities also earn around 23% less than their male counterparts, pointing to a significant wage gap. However, the quality of employment for women in large cities is comparatively better than in smaller towns. The survey also noted that female labor force participation varies considerably across different urban centers.

Ronaldo confirms 2026 World Cup will be his last, eyes quarterfinal run

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his final appearance at the tournament. The 41-year-old made the declaration ahead of Portugal's Round of 16 match against Spain. Ronaldo stated he would leave the World Cup stage 'with a clear conscience,' having given his all for Portugal. His immediate focus, however, remains on advancing past the knockout rounds rather than on retirement plans.

OPEC+ raises August output by 188,000 bpd to ease global crude supply crunch

OPEC+ has approved a production increase of 188,000 barrels per day for August as part of a gradual rollback of earlier output cuts. The move is aimed at improving global crude availability and relieving price pressure on oil-importing countries, including India. Global benchmark Brent crude has been trending toward pre-conflict price levels amid the supply adjustments. Domestic oil companies expect to soon reach break-even on petrol and diesel sales, though liquefied petroleum gas for cooking continues to be sold at a loss.

India Orders Meta to Remove Child Abuse Ads on Instagram Immediately

The Indian government has issued a strict directive to Meta demanding the immediate takedown of paid advertisements on Instagram that promote child sexual abuse material. Authorities have given the company a seven-day deadline to explain how such advertisements were allowed to appear on the platform. The government has also asked Meta to detail the safeguards it plans to put in place to prevent similar violations in the future. The action was triggered by reports that Instagram ads were being used to redirect users to illegal content.

Only 28% of FCRA-registered NGOs remain active as licences lapse or get cancelled

A large majority of NGOs and associations registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, are no longer operational under the law. Since 2012, India granted FCRA licences to 52,159 organisations, but only 14,455 of them currently hold active status. This means over 72% have had their licences either cancelled or allowed to expire. Active FCRA registration is required for any organisation to legally receive foreign funding. The shrinking pool of registered entities reflects a broader push by authorities to improve accountability and transparency in the sector.

Foundation laid for Rs 2,500-crore defence plant in Madhya Pradesh

India Plans Mandatory Retests for Traffic Offenders, Faster Crash Victim Compensation

The Indian government is preparing amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act aimed at improving road safety. Repeat traffic offenders will be required to pass a mandatory driving test before renewing their licenses. Tribunals may also be empowered to award interim compensation to road accident victims, expediting financial relief. These proposals have been approved by a Group of Ministers and are expected to be introduced in Parliament shortly.

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds reportedly upset over Taylor Swift wedding exclusion

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce recently held a high-profile wedding that drew global attention. Despite the widespread celebration, close Hollywood friends Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds were notably absent from the guest list. The wedding photos have been kept strictly private by the couple. Reports suggest that Swift and Kelce had been distancing themselves from Lively and Reynolds ahead of the event. According to sources, the excluded couple is said to be deeply upset over being left out of the ceremony.

Egypt opens 22,000-acre Octagon HQ, surpassing Pentagon as world's largest defence base

Egypt has inaugurated its new State Strategic Command headquarters, known as the Octagon, spanning approximately 22,000 acres. The facility surpasses the US Pentagon in size, making it the world's largest defence headquarters. President El Sisi officially opened the complex, describing it as a landmark national structure equipped with advanced technology. The Octagon is designed to consolidate Egypt's military leadership, operations, and intelligence under one roof. It is intended to strengthen the country's command and control capabilities and address national security challenges.

Indian Army holds large-scale anti-terror drill in J&K's Poonch district

The Indian Army conducted a large-scale mock drill in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, simulating a terrorist attack to strengthen operational readiness. The exercise involved Rashtriya Rifles and other units deployed along the Line of Control and in the hinterland. Key aspects tested during the drill included evacuation procedures, safety protocols, and coordination between multiple agencies. The exercise comes amid heightened security in the Surankote and Mendhar areas following intelligence inputs about possible infiltration and terror threats in the region.

Amit Shah orders CISF to enforce zero coal leakage plan in Jharkhand

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed the CISF and the coal ministry to set up rapid response teams and roll out a 'zero coal leakage plan' to tackle illegal mining and coal theft in Jharkhand. The initiative comes in response to growing concerns over rising coal pilferage in the state. Under the new framework, multi-layered security will be deployed across vulnerable areas, with agencies granted powers to file cases, conduct searches, and seize illegally mined coal and equipment. Shah emphasized the need for strict, coordinated action among all involved agencies. Regular review mechanisms will also be put in place to monitor the plan's effectiveness.

India plans to double US LPG imports to reduce dependence on Gulf suppliers

India is moving to significantly increase its liquefied petroleum gas imports from the United States, with a goal to double current purchase volumes. The decision is driven by recent conflicts in West Asia, which have highlighted risks of over-reliance on Gulf nations for energy supply. By diversifying its LPG sources, India aims to build a strategic reserve sufficient to cover approximately 30 days of domestic needs. The shift is also expected to strengthen broader energy ties between India and the US. An added benefit of the move is helping India address its trade balance with the United States.

PM Modi pays tribute to Syama Prasad Mookerjee on 125th birth anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Syama Prasad Mookerjee on the occasion of his 125th birth anniversary, honoring his contributions to India's unity and development. Mookerjee served the nation in multiple capacities, including as an educationist, cabinet minister, and political leader. He founded the Jana Sangh party and was a strong advocate for national integrity and democratic principles. He is particularly remembered for his role in advocating the full integration of Jammu and Kashmir into India, a cause for which he made the ultimate sacrifice.

Recovered CCTV footage may expose how Ram Temple donations were embezzled

Ayodhya police have intensified their investigation into alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple, with five suspects currently in custody. Investigators have recovered deleted CCTV footage that reportedly shows the accused concealing cash on their persons during the counting process. Authorities are working to enhance the video quality and reconstruct the full money trail to strengthen their case. The probe comes as the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust prepares to review and reform its donation management practices.

Ram Temple donation suspect details Rs 19 lakh spending on weddings, car, gifts

New financial details have surfaced in the Ram Temple donation embezzlement case in Ayodhya. Accused Avinash Shukla allegedly disclosed during interrogation how he spent around Rs 19 lakh of the misappropriated funds. The money was reportedly used on his brothers' weddings, personal vehicle purchases, and gifts for family and friends. Investigators are now scrutinising land transactions and bank accounts linked to the accused. Authorities had previously recovered valuables worth lakhs, and legal proceedings are ongoing to reclaim the misused funds.

Indians Turn to Ozempic for Wedding Weight Loss, Doctors Raise Safety Concerns

A rising number of Indians are using GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic to lose weight quickly ahead of weddings, influenced by social media beauty standards. While these injections are clinically approved for obesity treatment, doctors warn against using them purely for cosmetic purposes. Medical professionals highlight risks including side effects and the circulation of counterfeit versions of the drug. Experts stress that short-term use without proper guidance can be harmful, urging patients to seek medical supervision. A comprehensive, long-term approach to weight management is recommended over quick-fix solutions.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wedding: 20 wild details from NY ceremony

In a dazzling display of love, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce exchanged vows at Madison Square Garden, an event veiled in secrecy, complete with NDAs and a ban on phones. Officiated by Adam Sandler, the ceremony featured live performances by legends Paul McCartney and Stevie Nicks. Guests reveled in a whimsical 'Secret Garden' reception adorned with childhood mementos and bespoke gifts.

West Bengal government buses get saffron makeover amid political symbolism debate

Government buses in Kolkata are being repainted from blue-and-white to saffron, a change the state transport minister links to modernization under what he calls a 'dynamic double-engine regime.' The rebranding also extends to e-tickets, though officials have stopped short of calling it a formal policy change. Critics argue the cosmetic overhaul draws attention away from more pressing operational problems, including driver shortages and a shrinking fleet. Commuters, meanwhile, have expressed greater concern about service reliability than the buses' new colour scheme.

SGPC and Akali Dal Back Diljit Dosanjh Film Amid Satluj River Ban Row

Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh's film 'Satluj' has sparked a political controversy following a ban imposed on it. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which oversees major gurdwaras across India, has expressed support for the film. The Shiromani Akali Dal, a prominent Sikh political party, has also backed the movie amid the ongoing dispute. The ban has drawn widespread reactions, with key religious and political bodies describing the decision as shocking and saddening.

Seaplane Crashes Into New York's East River; All 8 Aboard Rescued

A seaplane carrying eight people went down in New York City's East River on Sunday. Emergency crews from the FDNY responded quickly and rescued all those on board. Two of the passengers sustained minor injuries during the incident. The aircraft partially capsized upon impact but was later stabilized and towed away. Authorities have launched an investigation, noting that a comparable seaplane incident occurred in the same area just last month.